You would think with all the sc'd 3's and M3's on this board this matter would have been settled. I for one think that it will be drivers race between a sc'd 3 and a M3 for a drag race. On a track, the lsd in the M3 might make a difference. I would think that the M3's redline would be negated by the higher 3.64 gear ratio. I looked at quarter mile trap speeds and 0-100 times when I made that assessment. A manual 330 should reach 100 in about 16.5-16.7 seconds; with ZHP, it's about a second quicker (15.5 or so). An A3 will do it in about 17 (slower mainly because it doesn't get off the line as quick with FWD). Automotive Hood Liner Bonnet Insulation 160"x39" Heat Shield Sound Deadener Mat (Fits: BMW 330Ci) Brand New: Car Sound. (6) $137.99. Was: $149.99. Free shipping. a manual 323ci does 0-60 in 7.2 but a 328ci does it in 6.8 i think. The 323ci has 171 hp but the 328ci has 193 and way more torque. They are basically the same car though. With a manual 328ci you would take them dragging for sure. If i were you i wouldnt drive a 330ci because then youd fall in love. Back in the day, last I heard was consensus was that the ZF 5 speed was superior, stronger box. I read that people would actually swap the 5 speed in for the 6 speed when doing M3 swaps and/or doing serious heavy track driving. AFAIK the ratios are the same. just the 6 speed is for fuel economy. BMW E46 3 Series Cabrio 330Ci Size, Dimensions, Aerodynamics and Weight. Wheelbase : 107.09 inches / 272.0 cm. Length : 176.77 inches / 449.0 cm. Width : Basically the s54 engine has much higher volumetric efficiency, is higher displacement and revs higher. For what it is worth, you can get ~300-350 hp out of the 3.0 while still staying normally aspirated and without boring or stroking the engine. Check out some of the club race cars based on the e46 platform. Depending on what maintenance has been done, expect to pour another $1-2k into it in parts to bring it up to snuff. If you decide you can forego the ZHP, a closer price would be $7,500 and up for a non-ZHP E46. Maintenance will be basically the same between a non-ZHP E46 and a ZHP E46. If you decide to go for a non-ZHP E46, I definitely suggest The BMW has the torque advantage, but the S2000 has a weight advantage. I do believe the 0-60 of the S2000 (6.6s) is slower than the ZHP (5.5-5.9s). The S2000 suffers from low torque at low RPM so the launch is nothing spectacular. S2000's in these parts go from 0-62mph in 5,5 seconds. Detailed specs and features for the Used 2004 BMW 3 Series 330Ci including dimensions, horsepower, engine, capacity, fuel economy, transmission, engine type, cylinders, drivetrain and more. Buv52.